ACT Prep: Fall 2017 Lesson Plans & Resources

Lesson Plans for ACT PrepSpring 2018 ACT Prep Class SchedueWednesday 5/16 and Friday 5/18Final Activity: Advice to Future StudentsFollow the Instructions in the document above.Share the Google Doc with Mrs. Renner & Mrs. Merkwan.Are you taking the JUNE ACT? Keep those skills fresh with SDMyLife or ask us for​copies of practice tests to use in early June!WHY were you here? Here's WHY!Believe in Yourself! (to 2:35)In 2018-19, promise yourself that.....you'll listen to it UNTIL it makes sense,you'll go for it UNTIL you understand it,you'll practice it UNTIL you develop the skill.Never give up UNTIL....however long that is!

Tuesday 5/8 & Thursday 5/10--if scores are back...Return to your Google Doc Reflection from last week.---If you did NOT write the required 4-6 sentences for each question last week, finish that.---Now that you have your scores back, complete this checklist:1. Print a screen shot of your scores or print enough so that your name and your 4 subject area and composite scores show.2. Documenting & Analyzing your Growth:Answer these questions in your Google Doc ReflectionThe numbers below pick up where you left off in your Google Doc:​#6.. Using your ACT folder, create a 3-column by 6 row table in your Google Doc that shows earliest subtest and composite scores for the 1st ACT you took back in September or October. Put the dates across the top of column 2 and 3. Put the Name of the Subtest and the word Composite in rows 2-6. (See image above!)

Answer ALL of these questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES. #7. What was your highest subject area score? My highest... or Math was my...#8. What was your lowest subject area score? #9. In which subject area did you improve the MOST?#10. In which subject are did you improve the LEAST?#11. Was there any subtest where you did worse than the first time?omit #12. In the English test, which sub-score was higher, Usage & Mechanics or Rhetorical Skills?omit #13. In the Math test, which type of questions did you do the WORST on?algebra, geometry, and trigonometry #14. Of the 4 scores (English, Math, Reading, Science), which was the score that most surprised you? Why?#15. Of the 4 scores (English, Math, Reading, Science), which was the score that most disappointed you? Why?#16. Will you plan to take the test again? If YES, why and what will be your goal score? If NO, why--what does your current score mean for you?

Wednesday 5/2The ACT is done. Now what?​Assignment: Log in to Career Cruising.Click on Explore My Interests.Click Start Matchmaker (you MAY have done once before)Once you finish Matchmaker, click on the Education tab across the top of the page. To the right of the US map, choose the Compare Schools option to complete today's activity below.I'll give you a hard copy. Maybe for this activity think "Dream School" you'd love to go to if money were not a consideration and another realistic school you know you can gain admission to.​CompletePost-High Research Activity School comparison

Monday 4/30Reflect on Saturday's test!Go to Google Drive. Create a new Google Doc called ACT Reflection that you SHARE with Mrs. Merkwan and Mrs. Renner. Write a ONE-PAGE double-spaced (minimum) reflection that addresses these five questions. Type just your name and then number each question. We suggest one short paragraph for each question. Do NOT answer Yes or No anywhere in your paragraphs. Write complete sentences! Paragraphs are never less than 3 sentences; shoot for 4-6 sentences for each response. Kudos to Mrs. Merkwan for writing the questions!

Growth occurs though REFLECTION!!English--Math--Break--Reading--Science1. Did you finish all of the sections in the allotted time? If not which ones did you not finish and how many questions did you have left?On questions that you weren't able to get to because you ran out of time, did you fill in an answer choice anyway?

2. How did the test meet your expectations? — Was it easier than you thought? Which section was easiest for you? Which was more difficult? Longer? Shorter? Were you able to utilize the programs you loaded on your calculator? Why/why not? Which ones? In other words, were you prepared?

3. Now that you have taken the test, what would you do DIFFERENTLY if you were to take the test again? Address both BEFORE and DURING the test.

4. What section(s) did you feel you were the most prepared for? Least prepared for? WHY?

5. Describe two things that you definitely need/want to practice/work over before you take the exam again.

6. How did you feel physically taking the test? Did you get tired? Lay your head down? Hungry? What did you do to stay alert? What would you do DIFFERENTLY or what ADVICE would you provide others who will be taking the test about preparing PHYSICALLY?

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Friday 4/17Correct first 50 in ACT English packet (100 questions)Finish last 50 togetherIn Method Test Prep, do the TWO Evaluation tests you DIDN'T do on Tuesday and send screenshots.

===============================================Snow Day on Weds 4/18===============================================Tuesday 4/17Go to SDMyLifeGo to Method Test Prep in bottom leftWhich sections of the ACT do you feel least confident about?In menu on the left, complete Two Evaluation Tests and print screen shots

​Then go to the Lessons/Quizzes Link and choose ONE lesson in a subject area that you need work on. Click in the Lesson Column first to go through the audio lecture/background notes. Then start the Quiz. Do screenshot at the end.

Do #1-50 in ACT English Prep Packet of 100 Questions​Monday 4/16 No School-Inservice===============================================Saturday 4/14​ACT Postponed due to weather!===============================================Thursday 4/12ELA Common Core Testing===============================================Tuesday 4/10Give me Final Reading Test packet, summary of single reading passage times. Did you post to QuickTopic?

For the following practice, record results on THIS SHEETDo 2 Timed passages--your best and worst or 2 worst, NOT 2 best pg. 580We will use 8:45 timer. If you finish BEFORE, record how much time left.Before you start, write down the strategy you will use on that passage:1. Following line with finger2. Reading blurb, first parag, last parag then topic sentences3. Reading blurb then all topic sentences4. Pre-reading the questionsCheck answers pg. 447Assignment: Finish the final 2 passages starting page 368; time using 8:45; record your results & strategies on half sheet.===============================================

Thursday 3/29​Day 1 Reading: The reading test is divided into four parts and is the third test on test day. Students get tired and start slowing down. We need to learn strategies to combat that test fatigue!

​The number one reason students do not perform as well on the ACT Reading subtest is that they do not finish the test. The test is designed so that most students only read three of the four passages. We want to read all four and get a higher score!

The ACT test must be consistent from test date to test date. The stories change but the wording of the questions does not. We can study those patterns which help students to get through the test faster and get more answers correct.

Assignment: Take the Reading Practice Test in book ONE PASSAGE AT A TIME, recording the time it takes you to read and answer all questions for each. Record your time on each page of your book.===============================================

Friday 3/9=No School (BB Tourney)===============================================Wednesday 3/7 Intro to Semicolons and ColonsLearn the 4 Semicolons ConstructionsColons are used after independent clauses (a.k.a. “complete sentences”) in four situations. You can remember them by remembering the letters LEQ.LNo, it doesn’t mean “for the way you look at me,” like in one of my favorite songs. Here, the L stands for list. You use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a series of items.I have three things on my to-do list for this summer: sitting, loafing, and goofing off.EThe E stands for explanation. You can use a colon after a complete sentence to expand on what you’re talking about.This I know: Do or do not. There is no ‘try.’ – Yoda, The Empire Strikes BackWhile I was in Ireland, I had heaven in a cup: a Cadbury “Flake” bar in vanilla ice cream.QThe Q stands for quote. You can use a colon to introduce a quotation.Well, it’s like Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “I hate quotations.”

Now practice:Comma QuizComma Usage Quiz: Click StartCommas Quiz 1Complete 8 comma quizzes. Each quiz has 10 short sentences. If you spend 15 seconds per sentence, you should finish each quiz in about 2 1/2 minutes and all 8 quizzes in 20 minutes. For anonymity, you will get a packet with your number on it. NO NAMES! When you finish, bring it back to me. When everyone is done, we'll anonymously grade the quizzes. I'll record the best 5 of 8 scores. ===============================================Wednesday 2/28DID YOU REGISTER FOR ACT? Show us April or June ticket!​Who vs. Whom pretestWho or Whom? Trickhe/she=who him/her=whomI don't know who/whom to write the check to. Write the check to him=whomGive the check to whoever/whomever asks for it. He asks for it=whoWho/Whom is the most helpful agent? He is the most helpful. He=who​To who/whom do you turn when you are in trouble? Turn to him=whom​Pronoun Reference & AgreementView: Vague Pronoun Reference

What is pronoun agreement? Example: If a student won't study, they won't do well. (he or she would be the correct pronoun or rewrite If students won't study, they won't...)Example: The fool gave the wrong tickets to Bob and I. (The fool gave the tickets to Bob. The fool gave the tickets to ME.)Example: I don't know who/whom to give this letter to. (Give this letter to HIM. Him=whom.)Example: Each of the girls carried their gym bags. (Each is singular, so Each carried HER own gym bag.) or The girls all carried their own gym bags. What is pronoun reference?Example: After putting the book in the desk, Mabel sold it. (What did she sell? The book or the desk?) After putting the book in the desk, Mabel sold the desk. or Mabel sold the desk after she put a book in it.Example: The supervisors told the workers that they would receive a bonus. (Who gets the $?) Try The supervisors told the workers to expect a bonus.)Example: The witness called the television station, but they didn't answer. (Who is they?) Try The witness called the television station, but the REPORTERS didn't answer.

Super Tricky Pronoun RuleAfter a BE verb (is, are, was, were, be, been (could be, could have been), you MUST use a SUBJECT pronoun=I, he, she, we, theySo, when someone calls you on the phone and asks "Is Sally there?" Sally must NOT answer "This is her." Instead Sally must answer "This is SHE."It is I (not me) who broke the window. It was he (not him) who took the blame.​It could have been she (not her) who won the contest.

​Who or Whom? Trickhe/she=who him/her=whomI don't know who/whom to write the check to. Write the check to him=whomGive the check to whoever/whomever asks for it. Give the check to him=whomeverWho/Whom is the most helpful agent? He is the most helpful. He=who​To who/whom do you turn when you are in trouble? Turn to him=whom

Helpful Tip: When you have a compound subject, read each option with the sentence separately!Sally and me are going shopping. Sally is going. I am going. Sally and I are...Give the shopping bags to Sally and I. Give the shopping bags to Sally. Give the shopping bags to me. Give the bags to Sally and me.

You do in class:1. Tear off last 3 pp 43-48: 6 S-V Agreement Practice tests in packet2. Cumulative Practice: For each of these activities, you will capture a screenshot of the results, then email ALL the screenshots in one email.1. Their/There/They're​2. Its/It's3. Using Irregular VerbsCapture the score, the name of quiz, and the 25/25 questions completed at the bottom.Assignment: Take Home ACT English Test===============================================Tuesday 2/20Correct and collectRegister for April test!If you don't pay to take real test in April, you need to come to take real full-length practice test that day and register for JUNE test and show us printed ticket for that.

Introduce Subject-Verb AgreementPre-test**The most tested grammatical rule on the ACT is Subject-Verb AgreementExample: The owner of the bicycles ARE going to sell them. (IS is the correct verb)View: Go to 8 second mark: Subject-Verb Agreement Bootcamp​View: Subject-Verb Agreement Rules and Tricky ScenariosRead: Subject-Verb Agreement for ACT English: Tips & PracticeNow Practice:Handouts in class. Do first 9 pages in class.Assignment: 1. In the Practice Packet, go to the Let's Practice set of 20 questions on the 8th piece of paper in the packet (St. Dominic HS). In addition to choosing correct verb form, also record the Rule number!2. Keep reading in the packet. Do Practice 1, 2, 3 & 4 on pp. 40-42 and Test 1-6. Collect the Grammar Review: Homophones, adjectives and verbs packet===============================================❤️ Wednesday, February 141. Find English practice test in your folder. On ACT Test Tally Sheet, record your scaled score for Feb. 12th test.PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS! The BEST way to correct errors is to understand WHY you made them.

3. With your practice test in hand, turn to page 113. Read the CORRECT and INCORRECT answer explanations for EVERY question you missed. On a sticky, record the #s of FIVE questions you still don't understand even after reading the answer explanation. If you can say "Oh, I see what I did" or "Oh, I get that," don't record that #! Do you see a pattern? Are you consistently missing comma questions? Sentence order questions?Answers on pp. 114-142

Time saving tip for ALL sections of ACT. Do not bubble after every question! The back and forth takes too much time. On English, answer the 15 questions for each passage in book, then quickly transfer answers. Research shows this method can shave 2 minutes off each section.

IMPORTANT ACT ENGLISH TIPS: Remember the ACT is a STANDARDIZED PREDICTABLE Test! 45 minutes for 75 questions.1. There will ALWAYS be 5 passages on this test. DON'T spend more than 1 1/2 minutes on each passage and no more than 30 seconds on each question!2. 40 Questions (53%) are Usage & MechanicsAlways 10 Punctuation Questions (13%)Always 12 Grammar/Usage Questions (16%)Always 18 Sentence Structure Questions (24%)3. 35 Questions (47%) are Rhetorical Skills (strategy, organization and style)Always 12 Strategy Questions (16%)--Does the writing do what the author intendedAlways 11 Organization Questions (15%)--Always 12 Style Questions (16%)​See pg. 35 & 36Take English practice testThe test is 45 minutes with 75 QuestionsWe will anonymously score when we finish.When you practice on your own, use the Online StopwatchAssignment: 1. Remember, in ACT Prep class you will not be graded on your ACT SCORE. For this assignment, you will be graded on completing this activity and FIGURING OUT raw scores.2. No one sees your score but me. Our only goal is to work to improve.

============================================Math prep though February 8

Bring PSAT results OR Log in to collegeboard.org to see your scores. Using Correlation Chart, answer these questions on a notecard AND fill in Log/Table with predicted ACT scorePSAT to ACT correlationLine 1: Your nameLine 2: Your Evidence Based Reading and Writing Score & PercentileLine 3: Your Math Score & PercentileLine 4: Your Total Combined Score & PercentileLine 5: Using the chart provided, what is your PREDICTED ACT score basedon your PSAT score?​Line 6: Were there any big discrepancies between the ACT & PSAT? So was your math score the highest on both or your English score the lowest on both? Do a couple sentences of analysis.Line 7: On PSAT, Which SUBSECTION in math did you struggle with the most?Line 8: On PSAT, Which SUBSECTION in English was your BEST and your WORST?

​​===========================================================First Semester Comes to a Close!January 8-10Final Activity: Advice to Future StudentsFollow the Instructions in the document above.Share the Google Doc with Mrs. Renner & Mrs. Merkwan.WHY were you here? Here's WHY!Believe in Yourself! (to 2:35)In 2018, promise yourself that.....you'll listen to it UNTIL it makes sense,you'll go for it UNTIL you understand it,you'll practice it UNTIL you develop the skill.Never give up UNTIL....however long that is!

January 4-5Go to SDMyLifeGo to Method Test Prep in bottom leftIn menu on the left, complete Two Evaluation Tests and print screen shots

​Then go to the Lessons/Quizzes Link and choose ONE lesson in a subject area that you need work on. Click in the Lesson Column first to go through the audio lecture/background notes. Then start the Quiz. Do screenshot at the end.

Send me an email with all three screenshots. Please don't send them as attachments that I have to open individually. Drag into the body of the email or put them all in one document to attach. Thanks!​Dec. 21/January 3PSAT to ACT correlationOn a notecard:Line 1: Your nameLine 2: Your Evidence Based Reading and Writing Score & PercentileLine 3: Your Math Score & PercentileLine 4: Your Total Combined Score & PercentileLine 5: Using the chart provided, what is your PREDICTED ACT score basedon your PSAT score?​Line 6: Were there any big discrepancies between the ACT & PSAT? So was your math score the highest on both or your English score the lowest on both? Do a couple sentences of analysis.Line 7: On PSAT, Which SUBSECTION in math did you struggle with the most?Line 8: On PSAT, Which SUBSECTION in English was your BEST and your WORST?

Dec. 18-19​Return to your Google Doc Reflection from last week.---If you did NOT write the required 4-6 sentences for each question last week, finish that.---Now that you have your scores back, complete this checklist:1. Print a screen shot of your scores or print enough so that your name and your 4 subject area and composite scores show.2. Documenting & Analyzing your Growth:Answer these questions in your Google Doc ReflectionThe numbers below pick up where you left off in your Google Doc:​#6.. Using your ACT folder, create a 3-column by 6 row table in your Google Doc that shows earliest subtest and composite scores for the 1st ACT you took back in September or October. Put the dates across the top of column 2 and 3. Put the Name of the Subtest and the word Composite in rows 2-6. (See image above!)

Answer ALL of these questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES. #7. What was your highest subject area score? My highest... or Math was my...#8. What was your lowest subject area score? #9. In which subject area did you improve the MOST?#10. In which subject are did you improve the LEAST?#11. Was there any subtest where you did worse than the first time?omit #12. In the English test, which sub-score was higher, Usage & Mechanics or Rhetorical Skills?omit #13. In the Math test, which type of questions did you do the WORST on?algebra, geometry, and trigonometry #14. Of the 4 scores (English, Math, Reading, Science), which was the score that most surprised you? Why?#15. Of the 4 scores (English, Math, Reading, Science), which was the score that most disappointed you? Why?#16. Will you plan to take the test again? If YES, why and what will be your goal score? If NO, why--what does your current score mean for you?

December 13-18The ACT is done. Now what?​Assignment: Log in to Career Cruising.Click on Explore My Interests.Click Start Matchmaker (you MAY have done once before)Once you finish Matchmaker, click on the Education tab across the top of the page. To the right of the US map, choose the Compare Schools option to complete today's activity below.I'll give you a hard copy. Maybe for this activity think "Dream School" you'd love to go to if money were not a consideration and another realistic school you know you can gain admission to.​CompletePost-High Research Activity School comparison

December 11 & 12Reflect on Saturday's test!Go to Google Drive. Create a new Google Doc called ACT Reflection that you SHARE with Mrs. Merkwan and Mrs. Renner. Write a ONE-PAGE double-spaced (minimum) reflection that addresses these five questions. Type just your name and then number each question. We suggest one short paragraph for each question. Do NOT answer Yes or No anywhere in your paragraphs. Write complete sentences! Paragraphs are never less than 3 sentences; shoot for 4-6 sentences for each response. Kudos to Mrs. Merkwan for writing the questions!

Growth occurs though REFLECTION!!English--Math--Break--Reading--Science1. Did you finish all of the sections in the allotted time? If not which ones did you not finish and how many questions did you have left?On questions that you weren't able to get to because you ran out of time, did you fill in an answer choice anyway?

2. How did the test meet your expectations? — Was it easier than you thought? Which section was easiest for you? Which was more difficult? Longer? Shorter? Were you able to utilize the programs you loaded on your calculator? Why/why not? Which ones? In other words, were you prepared?

3. Now that you have taken the test, what would you do DIFFERENTLY if you were to take the test again? Address both BEFORE and DURING the test.

4. What section(s) did you feel you were the most prepared for? Least prepared for? WHY?

5. Describe two things that you definitely need/want to practice/work over before you take the exam again.

6. How did you feel physically taking the test? Did you get tired? Lay your head down? Hungry? What did you do to stay alert? What would you do DIFFERENTLY or what ADVICE would you provide others who will be taking the test about preparing PHYSICALLY?

For the following practice, continue to record results on THIS SHEETDo 2 Timed passages--your best and worst or 2 worst, NOT 2 best pg. 368We will use 8:45 timer. If you finish BEFORE, record how much time left.Before you start, write down the strategy you will use on that passage:1. Following line with finger2. Reading blurb, first parag, last parag then topic sentences3. Reading blurb then all topic sentences4. Pre-reading the questionsCheck answers pg. 447Assignment: Finish the final 2 passages starting page 368; time using 8:45; record your results & strategies on half sheet.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Day 2 Reading (Tuesday 11/7 Blue and Wednesday 11/8 White)

White 1--Go over answer explanations from Practice Test 1 because of short class Monday

https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-best-way-to-practice-act-reading​Read: ​How to Stop Running Out of Time on ACT ReadingAssignment: Take the Reading Practice Test on pg. 73 ONE PASSAGE AT A TIME in this order, recording the time it takes you to read and answer all questions for each.Record your time on each page of your book and show me in next class.Record times and scores on THIS SHEETRemember, our goal is 8 to 8 1/2 minutes per passage, but you might START at 10 or 11 minutes! The more we PRACTICE, the faster you'll get and the more you'll figure out what the BEST order to do the passages is for YOU.Use Online Stopwatch.START with Natural ScienceDo Soc Science or Prose 2ndSAVE Humanities for last**Remember to read the short INTRO to each passage!

​The number one reason students do not perform as well on the ACT Reading subtest is that they do not finish the test. The test is designed so that most students only read three of the four passages. We want to read all four and get a higher score!

The ACT test must be consistent from test date to test date. The stories change but the wording of the questions does not. We can study those patterns which help students to get through the test faster and get more answers correct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .October=Math Month with Mrs. Merkwan!

Week of September 25-29Remember practice ACT is Thursday morning at 8:30 in auditorium!

Monday 9/25 BlueGrade the 8 comma quizzes we took last week anonymously.Instructions for ScoringIntro to Semicolons and ColonsLearn the 4 Semicolons ConstructionsColons are used after independent clauses (a.k.a. “complete sentences”) in four situations. You can remember them by remembering the letters LEQ.LNo, it doesn’t mean “for the way you look at me,” like in one of my favorite songs. Here, the L stands for list. You use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a series of items.I have three things on my to-do list for this summer: sitting, loafing, and goofing off.EThe E stands for explanation. You can use a colon after a complete sentence to expand on what you’re talking about.This I know: Do or do not. There is no ‘try.’ – Yoda, The Empire Strikes BackWhile I was in Ireland, I had heaven in a cup: a Cadbury “Flake” bar in vanilla ice cream.QThe Q stands for quote. You can use a colon to introduce a quotation.Well, it’s like Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “I hate quotations.”

Complete 8 comma quizzes. Each quiz has 10 short sentences. If you spend 15 seconds per sentence, you should finish each quiz in about 2 1/2 minutes and all 8 quizzes in 20 minutes. For anonymity, you will get a packet with your number on it. NO NAMES! When you finish, bring it back to me. When everyone is done, we'll anonymously grade the quizzes. I'll record the best 5 of 8 scores.

What is pronoun agreement? Example: If a student won't study, they won't do well. (he or she would be the correct pronoun or rewrite If students won't study, they won't...)Example: The fool gave the wrong tickets to Bob and I. (The fool gave the tickets to Bob. The fool gave the tickets to ME.)Example: I don't know who/whom to give this letter to. (Give this letter to HIM. Him=whom.)Example: Each of the girls carried their gym bags. (Each is singular, so Each carried HER own gym bag.) or The girls all carried their own gym bags. What is pronoun reference?Example: After putting the book in the desk, Mabel sold it. (What did she sell? The book or the desk?) After putting the book in the desk, Mabel sold the desk. or Mabel sold the desk after she put a book in it.Example: The supervisors told the workers that they would receive a bonus. (Who gets the $?) Try The supervisors told the workers to expect a bonus.)Example: The witness called the television station, but they didn't answer. (Who is they?) Try The witness called the television station, but the REPORTERS didn't answer.

Super Tricky Pronoun RuleAfter a BE verb (is, are, was, were, be, been (could be, could have been), you MUST use a SUBJECT pronoun=I, he, she, we, theySo, when someone calls you on the phone and asks "Is Sally there?" Sally must NOT answer "This is her." Instead Sally must answer "This is SHE."It is I (not me) who broke the window. It was he (not him) who took the blame.​It could have been she (not her) who won the contest.

​Who or Whom? Trickhe/she=who him/her=whomI don't know who/whom to write the check to. Write the check to him=whomGive the check to whoever/whomever asks for it. Give the check to him=whomeverWho/Whom is the most helpful agent? He is the most helpful. He=who​To who/whom do you turn when you are in trouble? Turn to him=whom

Helpful Tip: When you have a compound subject, read each option with the sentence separately!Sally and me are going shopping. Sally is going. I am going. Sally and I are...Give the shopping bags to Sally and I. Give the shopping bags to Sally. Give the shopping bags to me. Give the bags to Sally and me.

Assignment: Take Home REAL ACT Practice English Test to score in next class. Simulate testing conditions AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! Find a quiet time and place where you won't be interrupted for 45 minutes. Set a timer if possible for your 5 minute warning or ask a family member to do that for you.​Use the Online Stopwatch

Day 4: Tuesday, September 5 and Wednesday, September 6Answer questions you turned in from first practice test in ACT prep bookFinish up review of adjectives/adverbs, comparative/superlative, homophones and verb tense. Go through answers in packet.

Week of 8/28-8/31Friday, September 1 and Monday 9/3: Labor Day Holiday. No School.

Take home test of ACT English. Try to simulate test conditions! Use the Online Stopwatch. For points the next time we meet, you need to show me that you took the test. We will score and scale it in our next class. Score and scale 2nd ACT practice English test. Record score on Progress Chart in manilla folder. ​​Day 3: Wednesday, August 30 and Thursday, August 31​Cell phones in cell motel. You may not leave the room for any reason if cell phone is not checked in.​Pacing on the ACT: Are you going too fast?3. Turn to and read pg. 101 in prep book: "Scoring Your Practice Test."4. Use the English Scoring Key on pg. 102 to score the practice test. Follow the instructions to complete Step 1 and Step 2 on pp. 102 and 103, and record the RAW score.5. Then turn to pg. 106 and read Step 4. Use the English column on the Conversion Table to determine what the scaled ACT score would be. 6. Go back to the Bubble Sheet where you recorded your answers and write your SCALED ENGLISH score on the Instructor line at the top of the score sheet. Return the scored test to me.7. ​ DON'T get stressed if your score isn't where you thought it should be. That's why you're here!! :-)Finally, turn to pg. 113 and read the paragraph on Reviewing Explanatory Answers. All of the ANSWERS to the test you just took are on page 114-142. Go back to EACH of the questions you missed and read the explanations of the right and wrong answers. It's the BEST way to avoid making future mistakes!

​On a sticky, record 5 (five) numbers that you still don't understand after reading the explanations. I'll tally those and we'll go over the questions most identified as causing problems.

Set up Remind messaging for this class if you didn't already.Record scores for English Practice Test. Put score sheet in folder. Do NOT lose this sheet. It will be used by you AND ME AND Mrs. M to track scores! Did you go through the explanations of the correct answers? Answers on pp. 114-132.

IMPORTANT ACT ENGLISH TIPS: Remember the ACT is a STANDARDIZED PREDICTABLE Test!1. There will ALWAYS be 5 passages on this test. DON'T spend more than 1 1/2 minutes on each passage and no more than 30 seconds on each question!2. 40 Questions (53%) are Usage & Mechanics10 Punctuation Questions (13%)12 Grammar/Usage Questions (16%)18 Sentence Structure Questions (24%)3. 35 Questions (47%) are Rhetorical Skills (strategy, organization and style)12 Strategy Questions (16%)--Does the writing do what the author intended11 Organization Questions (15%)--12 Style Questions (16%)​See pg. 35 & 36Take English practice testThe test is 45 minutes with 75 QuestionsWhen you practice on your own, use the Online StopwatchAssignment: 1. Remember, in ACT Prep class you will not be graded on your ACT SCORE. For this assignment, you will be graded on completing this activity and FIGURING OUT raw scores.2. No one sees your score but me. Our only goal is to work to improve.

Day 8: Friday, September 15 and Monday, September 18Collect Pronouns packetACT Prep Book--read English Section Test prep info pp. 197 and do Sample Passage(s) pg. 215-16Assignment: Take Home 3rd ACT Practice English Test. We will score on Wednesday.

Assignment: Since we corrected English ACT and took the full-length test on Wednesday, rest up for a busy week next week with 3 full days of class!​Day 11: Monday 9/25 and Tuesday 9/26--Cell phones in cell motel. You may not leave the room for any reason if cell phone is not checked in.

5. Another comma error tested on the ACT is Comma Splices. What is a comma splice? A comma splice occurs when a writer uses a comma between two sentences where there should be something stronger, like a period or semicolon. Comma splices can also be corrected by using a FANBOYS construction or by subordinating one of the two independent clauses.

Comma Splice: It's important to study for the ACT,it's the only way to do well. Corrected with semicolon: It's important to study for the ACT; it's the only way to do well.Corrected with period: It's important to study for the ACT. It's the only way to do well.Corrected with subordination: Because it's the only way to do well, it's important to study for the ACT.

Timed Punctuation Quizzes with a focus on commas and comma splicesThe Real ACT is 75 questions in 45 minutes. If you do the math, that means that you can spend very close to 6 minutes on every 10 questions. Let's practice today within that time limit using ACT passages of 10 questions.

Day 14: Tuesday 10/3 and Wednesday 10/4Timed Test: Remember the English test has 5 passages to complete in 45 minutes=9 minutes each passage.Let's practice:You'll have 27 minutes to do Passage1, 2 and 3 from 2005-2006 ACT Exam.

Day 16: Tuesday 10/10 and Wednesday 10/11Take Final ACT English Practice Test--(eat 2nd lunch)Score and record on progress sheet in folder, which will go to Mrs. Merkwan after today.Advice as you move on to Math: KEEP PRACTICING!! See all the links to the resources above, especially to the PRACTICE tests! Try to do one or two practice sub-tests EACH WEEKEND!! Practice makes progress!!​View: 24 Hours To Test Time!

Math preparation October 12-November ?

Day 1 Reading: **Did you know?: Forbes reports that the average reading speed for an adult is approximately 300 WPM, while the average speed for a college student is approximately 450 WPM.​1. Introduction to the Reading Subtest

Q & A on Reading tips--If you are worried and seriously want to improve reading scores, here is a tool: Spreeder--Here are 4 more apps for speedreading​ACT Prep Course through O'GWe have exactly 40 minutes! Perfect timing for practice writing prompt. Turn to pg. 511 in your book where you were to outline/plan your essay. Tear that page out. You will staple it to your essay when you turn it in as part of your assignment.

ACT Expectations & Reminders:1. You MUST be committed to practice and improvement! 2. No cell at the real ACT. No cell in here.​3. Practice makes PROGRESS NOT perfect! 4. You CAN improve your score with practice, practice, practice!​